Wideband, Low-power Multi-mode MMIC Radar Transceivers with Phase Control and Integrated Baseband Signal Processing

This proposal offers a wideband analog blockset approach, where critical design blocks can be used at multiple bands and on multiple platforms across NASA's numerous radar and radiometry and communications and telemetry missions from P- to X- bands and accommodating pulsed, chirped pulse and FMCW applications, offering both higher efficiencies in R&D and critical program cost reductions. The beamforming, smaller size and lighter weight are also intrinsic benefits to just about any future NASA mission requiring radar and coms ability. This proposal additionally and specifically addresses the solicited requirements: * Operating frequencies: P-, L-, C-, X- bands * Dynamic load matching * Wideband (>50 MHz) * High power efficiency (>30%) * High T/R isolation (>90 dB) The approach proposed will result in two or three chip designs covering MMIC pulsed radar transceivers in P through X bands and wideband functional blocks that can be incorporated in new designs. It is also proposed to develop a flexible architecture and IP blockset collection from which multiple single-chip radar transceivers for various applications and various bands can be developed using a rapid-prototyping approach. Both analog-only and mixed signal approaches will be explored. Linear Signal has extensive prior experience in beamformed array and array feeds, RFIC/MMIC design, and radar.

The following commercial, government and military radar opportunities (in addition to the communications markets in satcom and wireless that could be served by the proposed chipset or rapid modifications thereof), include: landing radars, thru-canopy terrain mapping; very long range, ground penetrating radars; ballistic missile early warning, ground penetrating, foliage penetrating; long range air traffic control, surveillance, GPS, MSS satcom, radio astronomy, Moderate range surveillance, terminal air traffic control, long-range weather, marine radar; satellite transponders, terrestrial and space based weather/meteorology, long range tracking and telemetry; missile guidance, marine radar, weather, medium-resolution mapping and ground surveillance, airport radar, short range tracking. Linear Signal has extensive marketing and sales relationships established in the various satcom markets and growing OEM, System Integrator relationships in various custom radar markets. More »